Judge rules that blind man can keep firearms

A blind New Jersey man is declaring victory in a legal battle over his gun collection.

The state confiscated his weapons citing safety, but now a judgeâ€™s order â€” citing the right to bear arms â€” means he will get them back.

Steven Hopler of Rockaway knows a lot about guns. The 49-year-old has been handling them since childhood, and practices regularly at a local gun range. His aim is incredible, especially considering heâ€™s blind.

â€śIâ€™ve handled guns for many years â€” being sighted and being blind â€” and Iâ€™ve never had a problem,â€ť Hopler told CBS 2?s Derricke Dennis on Friday.

But four years ago, Hopler had an accident. He shot himself in the leg. Police responded and took six of his guns, citing safety concerns. They also accused him of drinking too much.

â€śThey had taken the guns that were out in plain sight,â€ť Hopler said.

That episode began a legal battle that wound up in Morris County Superior Court. Prosecutors argued Hopler shouldnâ€™t have guns because heâ€™s a danger. However, a judge ruled otherwise, saying his disability shouldnâ€™t take away his constitutional right to bear arms.

Robert Trautman is Hoplerâ€™s attorney, and said police singled out his client.

Full Story:Â Blind N.J. Man Gets Guns Back Years After Police Took ThemÂ Away